What To Do If You Slip And Fall At Walmart
By
Madeleine Jones
February 8, 2022
Walmart is one of the most popular and biggest big box stores in the country. At this date, there are 5,342 Walmart stores across the United States. With these many outlets, it is not a surprise that slip and fall accidents are common at Walmart. Like every property owner, Walmart has the duty of care to make sure their visitors are not harmed by dangerous or unsafe conditions. An injury victim can get compensation for their injuries in this type of lawsuit. It may be a bit daunting to file a lawsuit against a big corporation like Walmart, however, a skilled attorney can work with you and get you the money you deserve. If you were a victim of a slip and fall at Walmart, contact us today.
Walmart Slip and Fall Causes
Slip and fall accidents can be a result of different situations in and around Walmart retail stores. For instance, a customer can get hurt in a fall caused by:
- Loose or broken tiles
- Crumbling or cracked pavement in the parking lot
- Debris in the aisles
- A spill in the aisle
- Wet floors
If there was a dangerous condition at a Walmart location and the store managers failed either to warn you about it or fix it, you may be eligible to pursue a slip and fall claim against the company if you suffer any injuries.
Slip and falls may look like minor accidents. However, a fall can cause severe injuries. The following are some of the most common injuries caused by slips and falls:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
Walmart Personal Injury Claims
Like any other retailer, a Walmart employee will fill out an incident report if you slip and fall at one of their stores. This report will be used to limit their liability if you choose to pursue a personal injury claim against Walmart.
Even if Walmart is pretty profitable, it is determined to minimize the amount of money that it pays out to victims on liability claims. Walmart has a company called Claims Management, Inc that tries to get victims of injuries to settle for the least amount of money possible. If you slip and fall at a Walmart location, you will have to file a claim with them.
CMI adjusters will try to get you to record a statement where you say the accident was your fault or say something that weakens your claim. This can eliminate your chances of reaching a fair settlement for your injuries. This is why it is critical to consult with a slip and fall attorney as soon as you can. They will be able to advise you on your legal options.
How To File a Slip and Fall Claim Against Walmart
As a rule, a property owner has a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. This includes an obligation to warn visitors of a known hazardous condition or to fix it. For example, Walmart has the obligation of putting up a “wet floor” sign after moping their floors to let you know the surface is slippery.
When it comes to a commercial retailer like Walmart, the property owner has a much higher duty of care. They don’t only have the obligation to fix known dangers – they must be constantly be looking out for them and fixing them. It is often that companies fail to do this to protect their customers.
When you file a claim against Walmart it is just like filing a claim against any other property owner – except Walmart has the company CMI to work for them to deny or minimize your claim. CMI will limit Walmart’s liability, will ask you to sign documents to get access to your medical records, convince you they will take full liability and try to give you an unfair settlement offer or delay your claim, etc.
The best way to beat them is by fighting back with the help of an experienced slip and fall attorney. Starting with a free initial consultation, your lawyer will explain to you your legal rights. If hired, they will send a letter to CMI outlining your cases’ facts, and the legal reason why Walmart is liable for your injuries as well as demanding compensation.
When you are represented by Cogburn Law, CMI will know they can’t really use the same tactics they usually do. They will instead be forced to talk to your attorney who knows exactly what compensation you should get.
Damages for Slip & Fall Injuries
You can get the following damages in a Walmart slip and fall accident case:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
Your attorney will demand specific damages to cover the exact range of your losses. If CMI doesn’t give you a fair settlement, your attorney will file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
Were You Hurt In An Accident At Walmart?
Having a slip and fall accident and getting injured can be very traumatic. If you get hurt at a Walmart, suing a large corporation like this can seem overwhelming and intimidating. However, you are not alone – a personal injury lawyer can help you.
At Cogburn Law, we represent victims of all kinds of accidents, from dog bites to slips and falls. We offer free initial consultations and don’t charge you until we recover money for you. To schedule a consultation give us a call at (702) 747-6000. If you fell at any grocery store, click here.
I was on vacation with my family in Las Vegas on March 2019. On our 2nd day, I was walking through the lobby when I slipped and fell. My left arm broke my fall but my wrist swelled up almost immediately. I went to the Valley hospital emergency room and was seen to. I could move my fingers so I didn’t want the trouble of an X-ray or the cost of it. It was severely sprained. For the next 3 days, I could not carry or lift anything. The hotel staff was very accommodating but when they started to ask me to sign papers regarding the injury I got worried. I spoke to Alex at Cogburn Law who urged me to sit still and wait. They arrived within 20 minutes and looked over the documents and advised not to sign. From there they looked after everything. After returning home I was kept in the loop of everything. Within a few months, I received a check that covered my medical bills and more and I’m so happy I made that call! They really care for you! Thank you, Alex & Jamie!